As we close out our series on Ecclesiastes, our guide causes us to consider if we’re driven by the fear of man or fear of God.

Study Guide: 06.20.10 The Search: Stop #6 – Words to Travel By

When we think about the question, “Where can I find meaning in this life?”, relationships top the list.  The relationships where we experience love, acceptance, and support are our greatest source of meaning.  However, relationships are also the place we experience the greatest pain.  The Writer of Ecclesiastes observes both the breakdown and the benefit of relationships.

Study Guide: 06.13.10 The Search: Stop #5 – Relationship

Study guide: 06.06.10 The Search: Stop #4-Fairness

American culture is all about control. We tell our kids they can be whatever they want, the theme runs through our advertisements, and we personally embrace the idea in our daily life. However, as the writer of Ecclesiastes found, it really is an illusion. Is there any alternative to living between an unrealistic commitment to control and losing control all together?

Study guide: 05.23.10 The Search: Stop #3 – Control

The search for meaning in American culture often intersects with the search for pleasure – it is one of the great preoccupations of our culture. The writer of Ecclesiastes was in a unique position to reflect on this topic. He had the money, the status, the connections and the skills to seek every pleasure under the sun. And yet his conclusion is surprising…

Study Guide: 05.16.10 The Search: Stop #2 – Pleasure

Who can deny the benefits of education and knowledge? We experience them every day. The belief that “knowledge is power” is commonplace. What, then, would lead the writer of Ecclesiastes – a man of tremendous wisdom – to conclude that wisdom is futile? At some point does our wisdom turn against us?

Study Guide: 05.02.10 The Search: Stop #1 – Wisdom

The book of Ecclesiastes is often treated like the “black sheep” of the Bible. It seems to be full of such pessimism, hopelessness, even fatalism – or is it honesty? The writer takes us on a search for meaning and satisfaction as wide as everything “under the sun.” And while his utter frankness about ‘real life’ is hard to hear, the end of the journey has the potential to change your life.

Study Guide:04.25.10 The Search: Getting Our Bearings